Anionic Modified Rosin Ester Resins for High-BRC Water-Based Inks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The printing ink industry faces challenges in developing water-based inks with high bio-renewable content (BRC) that also possess acceptable performance characteristics, such as adhesion, moisture resistance, and chemical resistance, while minimizing the use of environmentally harmful materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of anionic modified rosin ester resins through a thermal adduction reaction between colophony or its derivatives and organic acids of natural origin, which results in resins with up to 100% BRC content and improved acid value, enabling the creation of sustainable water-based compositions such as inks and coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If naturally derived materials are used in high quantities in inks, then bio-renewable content is improved, but adhesion, moisture resistance, chemical resistance, and rub resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of naturally derived rosin by controlling the esterification reaction conditions, including the type of alcohol used (fatty alcohols, glycerol, pentaerythritol), reaction temperature, and catalyst selection. These parameter changes transform the rosin's molecular structure to achieve both high BRC and improved performance properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite resin structures by esterifying rosin with multiple different alcohols simultaneously or sequentially. This produces complex ester compounds that combine the renewable carbon content of natural rosin with the performance-enhancing properties of different alcohol backbones, achieving both sustainability and functional requirements
2Reliability
If petroleum distillates are added to achieve necessary properties, then performance characteristics are improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates petroleum distillates from the ink formulation entirely. By developing modified rosins with sufficient performance characteristics through natural alcohol esterification, the invention removes the need for synthetic petroleum-based additives, achieving both performance and environmental goals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces persistent petroleum-based materials with bio-based alternatives that are naturally derived and biodegradable. The modified rosins provide the necessary performance for their functional lifetime without creating long-term environmental persistence issues associated with petroleum distillates
3Reliability
If water-based resins are made anionic to improve water resistance, then water resistance is improved, but water solubility and print quality at high pH deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating carboxylic acid groups at specific locations within the resin molecule through selective esterification. This creates localized anionic regions that provide water resistance while maintaining overall molecular solubility characteristics. The distributed acid groups throughout the polymer structure allow balanced performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the degree of esterification to achieve partial anionic character rather than complete neutralization. By maintaining a specific acid value range and using sub-stoichiometric amounts of alcohol relative to rosin carboxyl groups, the resin retains sufficient water solubility while gaining the desired water resistance properties
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The anionic modified rosin ester resins achieve excellent scuff resistance, water resistance, and oil resistance while maintaining a high BRC content, thus addressing the industry's need for sustainable and performance-oriented water-based inks.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention provides anionic modified rosin ester resins that are thermal adduction reaction products of colophony, or a derivative thereof, and organic acids of natural origin that have a hydroxyl group
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides novel anionic modified rosin ester resins having a high BRC content, up to 100% BRC. The resins of the present invention are useful as emulsion, dispersion, or solution resins. High BRC content pigment grind vehicles, coatings, and finished inks can be prepared using the resins of the present invention. Advantageously, the finished inks of the present invention have equal to or superior properties compared to current commercially available inks sold as sustainable products, but having little to no BRC content. The present invention represents a significant step towards developing sustainable inks and coatings that are better for the environment.